Hi all! I started Irish dancing when I was 7. I danced competitively for about 6 years, then quit Irish dance when playing soccer became my priority (I was playing 5 days a week, and just couldn't make it to my dance classes). I tried Jazz for a couple of years after that...but it just wasn't the same. Irish dance will always be number one in my heart Anyways, I have always regretted quitting Irish dance. I am 19 now, and still sometimes find myself going over old dances in my head; needless to say, I would love to start dancing again. I know I'd probably need to start in a beginners class and that I will probably never be an incredible dancer, but if i worked really hard at it, could I be a decent dancer again? I'm not looking to win Worlds, but I do miss flying around the dance floor. Anyone out there start dancing in their late teens? Thanks and much love to you all!

16 Replies to I know I'm not too old, BUT....

When we lived in the Southern region there was a dancer at dd's school who didn't start Irish dance til around the time she graduated from college. She went on to do very well at the Oireachtas and made it as far as Nationals, and possibly Worlds, I forget. Now we are in New England. A few years ago there was a dancer who tried it briefly as a small child, then didn't dance again until she graduated from nursing school. She made it to Worlds before retiring in her late 20s. Go for it!

Go onto YouTube and look up Jigs & Wigs - Adult Dancers. Its a tv show from Ireland. Among other things they show a woman who recalled at Worlds at 45 years old. If I remember correctly, she only started dancing when she was 40.

Go onto YouTube and look up Jigs & Wigs - Adult Dancers. Its a tv show from Ireland. Among other things they show a woman who recalled at Worlds at 45 years old. If I remember correctly, she only started dancing when she was 40.

Hi,
I didn't start irish dance all together until i was 15. I took a 2 year break when i was 20, and just started back up about 7 months ago, and i'm getting ready to compete again. Of course you can start again. You're right in that maybe winning worlds might be a bit far fetched (though certainly possibly if you put the time and effort required to do it), but of course you can compete again and be great! Don't let age or anything like that stop you, you can do it!

If you danced competitively for 6 years, I doubt you would start in beginners! Lots of things will come back to you when you dance again. There are definitely late starters that have done well in competition. It will depend on how much time you can put into it (are you in college?) and how focused your practices are.

Wow, thank you all so much for the encouragement!! I am definitely going to begin to take some classes again. I am in college, so when I have to move back in September I'll have to find another way to get my practice in. But I do have a very long summer, so I'm looking forward to taking it up again. I can't wait! Thanks again, you are all so wonderful.

You can always see about maybe just working on getting some strength and stamina back at the gym and start with a school near college, rather than working with one that's only available to you 3 months out of the year. Or see if you can find a TC that'd be willing to work with you a little bit and would be willing to let you transfer to a school by college.

You are never too old to start something new! Many older dancers have had lots of success. I think it's due to the fact that many may be more focused than someone who starts at a young age and then lose interest. I am glad to hear that you are starting classes again, that's so exciting! Much luck to you and hope you have tons of fun.

I danced as a kid and then got back into after I graduated college. Last year, I went to my first Oireachtas as a soloist! Right now there are 3 of us at my dance school in the over 20 category that compete at majors and this number is growing as people return from college. My teacher says she loves to work with adults because we work so hard and truly have a passion for dance. I agree that beginner might be a little boring for you. Your teacher will be able to place you in the correct class once he/she sees you dance. Best of luck!

It's never too late. I first walking into an Irish dance studio in 2010. Despite 1 year off with a broken foot I have been able to compete solos at nationals for the first time last year. I didn't recall but can still beat people who have been doing it for 15+ years.
Best of luck with your return!